Shimmering Christmas tinsel kissed your brow
when you bent to pick up your bookmark
Lambent Dandiya lights cast their spell on you
when you pushed the glinting glass door open
Sunday summer mornings wove tales for you
when you dreamt of travelling to lands afar
silver, magic carpet, sea of stories.
Orange walls held you close
and hugged you when you least expected it
Bookshelves held your hand
and entwined themselves in your fingers
Bookends lent you a shoulder
and caressed the worry lines on your face
tangerine, pretty, whole.
A loving spirit warmed its confines
to make it home for you
Beautiful people held its door open
to draw you to its fireplace
Darling elves danced in its midst
to make music for you.
sincere, passionate, resonant chords.
Dear tnt,
When I don't know what to say, I write verse. For better or for worse. Here's wishing you a very Happy Birthday. I’m so glad I know you. You're very, very special.
With much love and madness,
Kindred spirit.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Now We are Five
If a life can be lived in a year and a half, then I have lived mine. A life that began in my hands and took over my heart. One where fantastic dreams and tender talks were commonplace.
This is twistntales for me.
I remember when Shuchita, my stepmum and a tnt regular, asked me if I wanted to work there. I didn't pause to think, just leapt in with a 'yes!' Next day, I got a call from a very official-sounding Geetanjali asking me to come in for an interview. I remember I wore jeans, a grey-and-black kurta and silver earrings. I don't remember all that I said, except I think I told Janaki I was a complete asocial. She hired me anyway :) I came home and called the few people I like and told them! My dad just looked at me and went, 'this is like asking a drunkard to guard a liquor store.'
This is twistntales for me.
There are a million stories, even more memories. I didn't know how to reload a stapler, let alone use a card-machine. I messed up, I did. But I looked forward to the learning. Life as part of teamtnt demands nothing less than complete commitment. I found myself giving eagerly. I missed family vacations, my friends complained when I had to rush off as five o' clock...I was ok with it. The keys to the store, I guarded(still do) fiercely. My wallet often consists of a torn ten-rupee note and the tnt keys.
This is twistntales for me.
For a certified asocial, it came as a surprise that the people of tnt became dearer to me than even the books. Very special customers....Mr. Ramgopal Rao who makes my day by simply laughing his ultra-happy laugh, Mr. Srinivas and his Theories of the Universe, Sumitra who is easily our most beautiful customer, Mr. Hemanshu Narsana...for allowing me to rag him, Mrs Sangeeta Ganpati..I shall miss you on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Devashish and Rupali,Mrs Saratchandran ...I'll remember your blessings every Woman's Day...all those who have recognized me outside the Store as a part of tnt, all those who mistook Janaki and me for mother and daughter, and to all of you who think I own twistntales...thank you immensely.
As for colleagues...where do I begin?
Geetanjali..we have shared tnt to its fullest. You have taken care of me so many times and watching you work was a constant inspiration. Love you.
Jahnavi...Think of all the crises we've handled!Customers trying to exchange books, random men asking us out,not-so-random He's... Thank you for being so constant and sharing all my woes and worries. You're the only reason I'm less-than-hysterical about leaving.
Alisha..I still think there was something wrong with the front-tyre of your bike! I miss the rides. I can't sing in the rickshaws, the rick-guys would probably charge me extra. Looooooooooove you.
Akash..For loving pink, for being hyper-enthusiastic, for having such great taste in women :)
Vernen..Thank you for being so Vernen! We've gone through and got past so much...I'm so glad I know you.
Aditya..I truly wish I could have left my part of tnt in your hands. Really really really.
Samar. Here is where we met, where the miracle unfolded. You, the most precious of all...
...and so many others. Aarti, for the pig-jokes. Shibani who puts up with my whinings and terrible jokes almost daily, Vidya who insists I never see her, Shweta who is just a sweetheart...
...and the Creators...
Janaki...you have pampered, provoked, pushed and watched.And I, have imbibed, struggled and grown. Thank you for making twistntales and for making me a part of it. Thank you for the one time you told me I was family. Most of all, thank you for knowing that I have to go...
Shankar..for re-asserting my faith in men
Nandini...for being an angel and the loveliest eight-year-old I know. You're going to glow throughout life.
It's almost time to go. This is where I have grown. I have worked, gotten dusty, screamed in delight. I have fallen in love, so much. Stood pressed against the door waiting...I have reviewed 14 books in a single evening. Listened to favourite songs. Run after customers with flashlights when there's no electricity. I have made friends and sisters and mothers. Here is where I have shed my skin and my tears. And emerged whole. This is a big part of the answer to 'Who am I?'
This is twistntales for me.
This is twistntales for me.
I remember when Shuchita, my stepmum and a tnt regular, asked me if I wanted to work there. I didn't pause to think, just leapt in with a 'yes!' Next day, I got a call from a very official-sounding Geetanjali asking me to come in for an interview. I remember I wore jeans, a grey-and-black kurta and silver earrings. I don't remember all that I said, except I think I told Janaki I was a complete asocial. She hired me anyway :) I came home and called the few people I like and told them! My dad just looked at me and went, 'this is like asking a drunkard to guard a liquor store.'
This is twistntales for me.
There are a million stories, even more memories. I didn't know how to reload a stapler, let alone use a card-machine. I messed up, I did. But I looked forward to the learning. Life as part of teamtnt demands nothing less than complete commitment. I found myself giving eagerly. I missed family vacations, my friends complained when I had to rush off as five o' clock...I was ok with it. The keys to the store, I guarded(still do) fiercely. My wallet often consists of a torn ten-rupee note and the tnt keys.
This is twistntales for me.
For a certified asocial, it came as a surprise that the people of tnt became dearer to me than even the books. Very special customers....Mr. Ramgopal Rao who makes my day by simply laughing his ultra-happy laugh, Mr. Srinivas and his Theories of the Universe, Sumitra who is easily our most beautiful customer, Mr. Hemanshu Narsana...for allowing me to rag him, Mrs Sangeeta Ganpati..I shall miss you on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Devashish and Rupali,Mrs Saratchandran ...I'll remember your blessings every Woman's Day...all those who have recognized me outside the Store as a part of tnt, all those who mistook Janaki and me for mother and daughter, and to all of you who think I own twistntales...thank you immensely.
As for colleagues...where do I begin?
Geetanjali..we have shared tnt to its fullest. You have taken care of me so many times and watching you work was a constant inspiration. Love you.
Jahnavi...Think of all the crises we've handled!Customers trying to exchange books, random men asking us out,not-so-random He's... Thank you for being so constant and sharing all my woes and worries. You're the only reason I'm less-than-hysterical about leaving.
Alisha..I still think there was something wrong with the front-tyre of your bike! I miss the rides. I can't sing in the rickshaws, the rick-guys would probably charge me extra. Looooooooooove you.
Akash..For loving pink, for being hyper-enthusiastic, for having such great taste in women :)
Vernen..Thank you for being so Vernen! We've gone through and got past so much...I'm so glad I know you.
Aditya..I truly wish I could have left my part of tnt in your hands. Really really really.
Samar. Here is where we met, where the miracle unfolded. You, the most precious of all...
...and so many others. Aarti, for the pig-jokes. Shibani who puts up with my whinings and terrible jokes almost daily, Vidya who insists I never see her, Shweta who is just a sweetheart...
...and the Creators...
Janaki...you have pampered, provoked, pushed and watched.And I, have imbibed, struggled and grown. Thank you for making twistntales and for making me a part of it. Thank you for the one time you told me I was family. Most of all, thank you for knowing that I have to go...
Shankar..for re-asserting my faith in men
Nandini...for being an angel and the loveliest eight-year-old I know. You're going to glow throughout life.
It's almost time to go. This is where I have grown. I have worked, gotten dusty, screamed in delight. I have fallen in love, so much. Stood pressed against the door waiting...I have reviewed 14 books in a single evening. Listened to favourite songs. Run after customers with flashlights when there's no electricity. I have made friends and sisters and mothers. Here is where I have shed my skin and my tears. And emerged whole. This is a big part of the answer to 'Who am I?'
This is twistntales for me.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Happy Birthday !
We celebrate our 5th birthday tomorrow ! it seems like only yesterday that i was wondering whether starting a bookstore was what i should be doing ?
But it has been 5 wonderful years - and what a education it has been ! With a song in my heart (i remember i was playing "Alaipaayuthe" all over in my small red Matiz in the first 2 months of legwork) and a prayer on my lips, i got started ! All i had then in 2002 was 5 lakhs to spare. I told myself that 5 lakhs and 3 years was what i was going to give it - if it worked then fine, if not all i had lost was that - i could always go back to a great HR job on the strength of my CV.
I had no clue how the books business or the industry worked, none in my family had ever done any business, forget being a trader - but one thing that i was confident of - i knew my books inside out. Over time, just out of sheer pleasure, i knew names of publishers, but nothing remotely technical about them.
But the learning in running my own enterprise has been tremendous. Apart from learning to think fast not just on my feet but also while running, in my case driving, rising to a new challenge everyday, negotiating everyday - with vendors, other service providers, balancing home and family (often without maid support as now). Outthinking fast provides you additional space and leveraging ability, when you hold the chips, and when to put all your cards on the table - constantly looking for opportunities to buy better so that you can sell better. Shyam once told me that retailing or trading is all about buying well. often we think that selling is the challenge. It isn't. Selling happens - If you offer good service consistently and stick to good quality, sale happens. The only way then to increase margins is to buy better. Which in the past two years, is happening in a very focussed way.
And do i have people to thank : Starting with shyam who planted the idea in my head and thought nothing of jumping into a rick at 7 pm on 31st Dec to visit Paperback in Thane. Shyam was right. Apart from a corporate job in HR or being an independent HR consultant/ Trainer, books have also been my passion. I did not have the ability to sell anything else. And with books, i do not have to sell. I just have to select right ! which i love to do. If earlier i spent 7 to 8k on books per month, now i spend a lac each month on books. twistntales gives a lovely excuse to do so !
Going back to the Awards ceremony : Yes, Shyam. Then Savi - what a tremendous support she has been in the early years. For tnt, for workshops, for nan to be cared for - she could easily fill in every role ! And most completely my two mothers. For being my wonderful support system whenever mine collapsed because of daycare issues or half day issues !
For Nan - for being completely undemanding and so matured from such a young age. She has lived through every stressful period of mine uncomplaining, never had a routine that kids need to have, never been to bed at 8.30 pm like most other kids - because her mom comes home only at 9.30. Slept in the car, in the shop, in dad's office, in countless daycare beds - with her mom ridden with guilt.
For Sanjay and Dhiraj - for appearing on countless ocassions to help us out - when we have desparately needed someone - without any expectation whatsoever.
And in this scheme of things where do my girls fit in (and the very few boys) starting with Tejal and Mridula .... Yes some of them stand out. Going by chronological order, Shradda - Completely always "committed" heart and soul to tnt. Then Nandana. Fitted in perfectly. A software engineer working in a bookstore ? Yes Jyothi, there have been others too. Fitted in nicely between Wipro and Infy assignments. And then Nisha ... also was faced with the challenge of having to manage home and family and in-laws, but coped admirably to do a cameo innings of 10 months ! Rekha got the warmth and exuberance, while Aarti got her shrewd business brain.
But it was Geetanjali who initially took time to settle but then "owned" the Store. She managed to clone Janaki completely. I just need not be around and she would run the Store expertly including recomending books. She learnt a lot in tnt. The physics and yoga teacher had metamorphised into a "wellness" guru in twistntales! i miss her. i still do !
And now Tia is going. She will finish march end. I have cried everytime i have lost a good team member. But Tia needs to go. But i have also seen her completely committed to tnt (the other day a customer asked her if she owned the Store. When she replied saying that she works part-time, the customer apparently commented that in that case, she was doing a wonderful job!) That's joy for me. Tia may work part-time, but her commitment and thoughts are full time tnt. I have recd smses at all times of day and night - yes i am very fond of her and i will be sorry to see her go from tnt, in a sense.
And there have been others. Samar for one. Inquisitive and extremely researching bent of mind. Deepa once commented that when Samar is in tnt, he has another mother! And Aditya. Both Samar and Aditya have grown up in twistntales, spent hours checking out the books. Aditya is our first customer. He billed "Diary of Anne Frank" on 28th March 5 years ago. And then did the Harry Potter Quiz. When Aditya came to work with us this summer, i thought the circle was complete. Sadly it was not to be.
I will gladly bequeth tnt to any of them and i know it is in good hands. Thanks again to Shradda, Nisha, Geetanjali, Samar, Tia and Aditya.
And ULM ? Another day, another post !
Happy birthday again !
But it has been 5 wonderful years - and what a education it has been ! With a song in my heart (i remember i was playing "Alaipaayuthe" all over in my small red Matiz in the first 2 months of legwork) and a prayer on my lips, i got started ! All i had then in 2002 was 5 lakhs to spare. I told myself that 5 lakhs and 3 years was what i was going to give it - if it worked then fine, if not all i had lost was that - i could always go back to a great HR job on the strength of my CV.
I had no clue how the books business or the industry worked, none in my family had ever done any business, forget being a trader - but one thing that i was confident of - i knew my books inside out. Over time, just out of sheer pleasure, i knew names of publishers, but nothing remotely technical about them.
But the learning in running my own enterprise has been tremendous. Apart from learning to think fast not just on my feet but also while running, in my case driving, rising to a new challenge everyday, negotiating everyday - with vendors, other service providers, balancing home and family (often without maid support as now). Outthinking fast provides you additional space and leveraging ability, when you hold the chips, and when to put all your cards on the table - constantly looking for opportunities to buy better so that you can sell better. Shyam once told me that retailing or trading is all about buying well. often we think that selling is the challenge. It isn't. Selling happens - If you offer good service consistently and stick to good quality, sale happens. The only way then to increase margins is to buy better. Which in the past two years, is happening in a very focussed way.
And do i have people to thank : Starting with shyam who planted the idea in my head and thought nothing of jumping into a rick at 7 pm on 31st Dec to visit Paperback in Thane. Shyam was right. Apart from a corporate job in HR or being an independent HR consultant/ Trainer, books have also been my passion. I did not have the ability to sell anything else. And with books, i do not have to sell. I just have to select right ! which i love to do. If earlier i spent 7 to 8k on books per month, now i spend a lac each month on books. twistntales gives a lovely excuse to do so !
Going back to the Awards ceremony : Yes, Shyam. Then Savi - what a tremendous support she has been in the early years. For tnt, for workshops, for nan to be cared for - she could easily fill in every role ! And most completely my two mothers. For being my wonderful support system whenever mine collapsed because of daycare issues or half day issues !
For Nan - for being completely undemanding and so matured from such a young age. She has lived through every stressful period of mine uncomplaining, never had a routine that kids need to have, never been to bed at 8.30 pm like most other kids - because her mom comes home only at 9.30. Slept in the car, in the shop, in dad's office, in countless daycare beds - with her mom ridden with guilt.
For Sanjay and Dhiraj - for appearing on countless ocassions to help us out - when we have desparately needed someone - without any expectation whatsoever.
And in this scheme of things where do my girls fit in (and the very few boys) starting with Tejal and Mridula .... Yes some of them stand out. Going by chronological order, Shradda - Completely always "committed" heart and soul to tnt. Then Nandana. Fitted in perfectly. A software engineer working in a bookstore ? Yes Jyothi, there have been others too. Fitted in nicely between Wipro and Infy assignments. And then Nisha ... also was faced with the challenge of having to manage home and family and in-laws, but coped admirably to do a cameo innings of 10 months ! Rekha got the warmth and exuberance, while Aarti got her shrewd business brain.
But it was Geetanjali who initially took time to settle but then "owned" the Store. She managed to clone Janaki completely. I just need not be around and she would run the Store expertly including recomending books. She learnt a lot in tnt. The physics and yoga teacher had metamorphised into a "wellness" guru in twistntales! i miss her. i still do !
And now Tia is going. She will finish march end. I have cried everytime i have lost a good team member. But Tia needs to go. But i have also seen her completely committed to tnt (the other day a customer asked her if she owned the Store. When she replied saying that she works part-time, the customer apparently commented that in that case, she was doing a wonderful job!) That's joy for me. Tia may work part-time, but her commitment and thoughts are full time tnt. I have recd smses at all times of day and night - yes i am very fond of her and i will be sorry to see her go from tnt, in a sense.
And there have been others. Samar for one. Inquisitive and extremely researching bent of mind. Deepa once commented that when Samar is in tnt, he has another mother! And Aditya. Both Samar and Aditya have grown up in twistntales, spent hours checking out the books. Aditya is our first customer. He billed "Diary of Anne Frank" on 28th March 5 years ago. And then did the Harry Potter Quiz. When Aditya came to work with us this summer, i thought the circle was complete. Sadly it was not to be.
I will gladly bequeth tnt to any of them and i know it is in good hands. Thanks again to Shradda, Nisha, Geetanjali, Samar, Tia and Aditya.
And ULM ? Another day, another post !
Happy birthday again !
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